Celtic taking defiant transfer stand amidst Josip Juranovic talks

By Lewis Laird

December 15, 2022

Celtic appear to be taking a defiant stance and won’t allow defender Josip Juranovic to leave a cheap fee, according to a report from the Daily Record.

The 27-year-old is attracting lots of interest from across Europe after impressive performances at the top level of club and international football.

His recent displays at the World Cup out in Qatar have led his stock to an all-time high after helping Croatia reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

As the January window quickly approaches, clubs from the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy have all been linked with moves.

In recent days, Serie A side Torino has reportedly stepped up their chase, getting in contact with the Hoops regarding a potential deal.

Juranovic is thought to favour a move to the Serie A, and Torino is hopeful that their Croatian manager, Ivan Juric, can convince the defender of the move.

Celtic have been bracing for bids on Juranovic for several months, with interest first arriving in the right-back last summer.

Having already signed a new right-back option in the January window, the Bhoys reportedly won’t stand in the way of the Croatian international departing next month.

However, the club appears to have taken a defiant stance amidst Torino’s interest, with a report from the Daily Record stating the Hoops won’t allow Juranovic to depart on the cheap.

Celtic take the correct stance over Juranovic as clubs begin to step up interest.

The report goes on to state that if Torino has any hopes of pursuing the Celtic man, then they must double the transfer record that they have ever paid for a player.

Currently, the Serie A side’s highest-ever fee paid for a signing came last summer, when they spent £8.5 million on central defender Perr Schuurs from Ajax.

But Celtic would only start negotiations at least double that amount, with the Hoops hierarchy likely to demand more than £17 million after Juranovic’s strong showing at the World Cup.

With several suitors, including the likes of Chelsea and West Ham, potentially lining up moves, the Bhoys are absolutely right to take this stance.

Given Juranovic has performed at Champions League and World Cup level, plus he still has a long-term contract at Parkhead, we shouldn’t be allowing the right back to go on the cheap.

Rightfully, we should be demanding big money, and if the right offer doesn’t come next month, then clubs will have another chance come this summer.

For too long, we have watched some of our best assets go for cheap prices to leagues across Europe. So, it is time to stand firm and demand a high fee for a quality international defender.

It certainly should be interesting to see how this one plays out. We are going to be in for a long few weeks of speculation ahead of the January window.

In other news, Report: Celtic among clubs interested in Spain u19s-international talent.